In conversation with Dr. Gautum Unny, Founder of Amrita Pet Care Clinic and a veterinary practioner for more than 25 years, delves into his journey on rediscovering medicine through modern lens, imparting wisdom through his books, and ways to make lives better for our pets.
Question– How has the trajectory of your career been so far in the world of pet medicine? What are the lessons that have shaped your motto for pet care?
I started my career long ago in 1998 during the dark ages of veterinary science. However, in the last three decades, the profession has seen dramatic changes. Gone are the days when getting a blood test meant begging human labs to accept animal blood. Today, most clinics have their own blood machines and if they do not, there are multiple labs to cater to the needs of pets. Moreover, ultrasounds are not an exception but the norm. Advanced technology like CT scans and MRI are now available.
But the bottom line of care then, now, and in the future is rooted in empathy and love for pets. There can never be a substitute for that. What every pet parent yearns for from his vet is an open ear and heart. I hope the next generation of vets heed to my advice.
Question– Since the inception of your career, the pet ecosystem has evolved and changed – how has that influenced your veterinary practice in clinical approach, preventive care, and communication with pet parents?
Pet parents in the past did not doubt the vet as much as they do now. There is a real danger to the pet when the parent comes to the vet with preconceived notions from social media. This can also be from the multiple feeds they get daily on their mobiles about one product or another. There is no substitute for a vet.
Similarly, the vet too needs to improve his knowledge and communication skills. Technologies that were prevalent two decades back, may not be relevant today. Newer technology must be adopted by vets and continuous education is a must. As they say, one needs two hands to clap. One hand will always be the pet parent and the second the vet. For the pets’ well being like a loud clap, both hands need to work in tandem. Mutual respect and trust is essential.
Question- You authored multiple books the latest being Pet Care Made Easy and Tales of Wagging Tails and contribute to pet health education. What inspired you to write a book on pet care, and what message did you want to put into pet parents’ hands?
There has never been a replacement for knowledge. If the knowledge is not only theoretical, but also practical,with decades of experience behind it – pets will benefit. That’s why despite being busy in the clinic, handling the OPD, surgeries, I took time to pen down these books. At present we have more than 5 young interns working and learning with us in their annual breaks. The idea is simple – one cannot live eternally on this planet. However, when we leave, we can leave behind our experience for the benefit of so many pets. Why should young vets have to climb the steep slope if we can provide a shortcut. That is also why we take seminars and write scientific articles. Knowledge is like the lantern in a dark room.
Question- Education has become a big part of your work. How do you see the role of veterinarians in empowering pet parents with knowledge — especially around behavior, nutrition, and preventive health?
Sadly, with increasing money power, pets are getting the best of everything except exercise. The best food and supplements are slowly causing a rising epidemic of metabolic syndrome like humans. Across the globe, the rise of Diabetes, Thyroid disorders, and obesity are becoming major challenges for both vets and pet parents. As science advances – we can prolong the longevity of such patients, but the quality of their lives deteriorates. That is something we need to guard against. Similarly, behaviour is a common concern with people.
It is imperative that pet parents consult a vet or animal behaviorist before selecting the future companion. A first-time pet owner must not choose a rottweiler or a Bengal cat. If they have already done so, invest in proper training. An untrained dog in a lift in a society could lunge on people causing physical damage to others and invite legal trouble. The adage that there are no bad dogs just impulsive owners. A dog or cat is not a toy to purchase for a child. As far as possible – adopt community rather than purchasing others. Adopting a dog will not solve the community animal problem but will solve all problems for that one dog. Preventive care must never be neglected. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine. So annual health checkups, vaccinations, and worm and tick medication must be done on time.
Question- Anything you wish to say about your two new books?
These are my fourth and fifth publications till date. The aim of Tales of Wagging Tales was a walk down memory lane where I think of a thirty long year-old journey, the impact it has had on my life, the wonderful pets and pet parents I have had the good luck to meet etc. Its been like a lifetime with memories and if the younger generation of vets could learn from my experiences and mistakes, it would be wonderful. Plus, the colorful life of the numerous pets I have met had to be bought out, like a painting on a canvas.
On the other hand, Pet Care Made Easy started off as a revamp of my thoughts on dog care. Over the last five years, I have seen a deluge of cats in the clinic. Those vets who do not keep up with feline medicine will lose out. Moreover, the fact that exotics are increasing faster than expected meant that some light had to be shed on them. So, I took the opportunity to combine all three dogs, cats , and exotics into one single book. Everything from behavior, feeding, care, diseases, training etc. has been added.
I truly hope people would like these books because only the success of printing them would bolden other vets from investing time and energy into the cause. So , do read these books and give me feedback on things you would like me to incorporate in future editions.